The Utility of Routine Radiographic Follow-Up for Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Undergoing Uncomplicated Cranial Closing Wedge Ostectomy.

Routine postoperative radiographs after CCWO alter rehabilitation plans in up to 28% of clinically normal dogs.

This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of routine radiographic follow-up in dogs undergoing cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease, specifically in cases where no complications were apparent prior to the scheduled recheck. A total of 134 CCWO procedures were reviewed, with follow-up occurring at a median of 8 weeks postoperatively (range 6–12 weeks). In 120 of 134 cases (90%), neither owner-reported concerns nor clinical examination abnormalities were identified at the follow-up visit. Despite this apparently uneventful recovery, radiographic assessment by two evaluators—a board-certified ECVS specialist and an ECVS surgical resident—identified findings that altered rehabilitation recommendations in 33 of those 120 cases (28%) by at least one clinician. Across both evaluators, radiographic findings influenced rehabilitation protocols in 14–28% of dogs that presented with no clinical signs of concern. These findings suggest that clinical examination alone is insufficient to detect all relevant postoperative changes following CCWO, and that radiographic evaluation provides meaningful diagnostic information that directly impacts patient management. The study highlights the disconnect between clinical appearance and radiographic status in the postoperative period. The authors conclude that routine radiographs should be obtained at follow-up after CCWO regardless of clinical presentation. Limitations include the retrospective design, variability between evaluators, and lack of defined radiographic criteria for rehabilitation modification. Nevertheless, this study provides practical guidance for small animal orthopedic practice regarding postoperative monitoring protocols.

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